Meeting 25

The minutes of the beer club tasting. 10/24/2010

This is the 25th session.

Sampled was;

1. Sierra Nevada 30th Jack and Kens Ale. Jack McAuliffe was the first American “micro” brewer. His tiny New Albion Brewery in Sonoma, California inspired countless dreamers to start small-scale breweries of their own. Jack agreed to guest brew this very special ale with us in honor of our 30th anniversary. This Black Barley wine Ale is a nod to the legendary ales New Albion served at their legendary summer solstice parties. Rich with bittersweet and roasted malt flavors, balanced with whole-cone American hops, this robust ale should age gracefully for years. 10.2% ABV.

Allen; tastes good! Highly recommended if you like barley wine! Does not taste like 10.2% more like 8%. 8 Out of 10!

2. Sierra Nevada Estate. This Estate Ale is rich with the flavors of the valley—featuring hops with earthy, grapefruit-like flavors and layered spicy aromas and barley with mild sweetness and smooth, toasted flavors. Together, these crops grow alongside the brewery to make a truly unique brew

Allen; excellent! Top 5 beer for sure! Citrusy not biter. 9 Out of 10!

3. Southern Tier Harvest. Harvest Ale is our celebration of the changing weather and the sowing of hops and barley that will be used in our upcoming brews. We usher in the fall with a classic English style Extra Special Bitter of the highest order. Deep ruby in color with an even deeper hop flavor… in fact, we throw fresh English hops into every brewing vessel, then dry hop after fermentation to impart a zesty kick. This beer has real hop character that mingles with fresh malted barley for an experience that will make you wish it were fall year ‘round. 6.4% ABV.

09/10 taste test.

Dennis; 2009. Hay straw smell! Smooth light refreshing. 6 Out of 10!

2010. Smooth refreshing mouth, with some citrus hop smell and taste. 7 Out of 10!

Allen; 2009. Smell is hayish and smells like an older beer but it did get very smooth in aging for 1yr. But it lost the IPA notes I love from 2009 when I originally had it. 6 Out of 10!

2010. Great beer! Citrusy smell, some IPA flavors, great! 8 Out of 10!